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How to Uninstall or Remove Apps From a Samsung Smart TV

Key Takeaways

  • Samsung Smart TVs allow you to uninstall most pre-installed and downloaded apps to free up storage space
  • The process to uninstall apps varies slightly depending on your Samsung TV model and software version
  • You can also move apps off the Home screen, lock apps with a PIN, and enable automatic app updates

Samsung Smart TVs come loaded with a variety of pre-installed apps and allow you to download more apps from the Samsung App Store. While having access to a wide range of apps is convenient, you may eventually want to uninstall some apps to free up storage space on your TV. Fortunately, Samsung provides an easy way to remove most pre-installed and downloaded apps from your Smart TV.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of uninstalling apps on different Samsung Smart TV models, as well as provide additional tips for managing your apps more effectively.

Uninstalling Apps on Samsung Smart TVs (2020 Models and Later)

For Samsung Smart TVs from 2020 and newer models, follow these steps to uninstall apps:

  1. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote to access the Smart Hub.
  2. Navigate to the “Settings” menu, usually located in the bottom row of icons.
  3. Scroll down and select “Support,” then choose “Device Care.”
  4. Select “Manage Storage” and wait for your TV to scan and display a list of installed apps.
  5. Highlight the app you want to uninstall and press the down button on your remote.
  6. Select “View Details,” then choose “Delete” and confirm to uninstall the app.

Note that some pre-installed Samsung apps may be grayed out or lack the “Delete” option, meaning they cannot be uninstalled. However, you can remove these apps from the Home screen (more on that later).

Uninstalling Apps on Older Samsung Smart TV Models

The process for uninstalling apps is slightly different on older Samsung Smart TV models from 2019 and earlier. Here are the steps:

  1. Press the Home button on your remote to open the Smart Hub.
  2. Navigate to the “Apps” icon and select it.
  3. In the top-right corner, select the gear icon to open the “Settings” menu.
  4. Scroll through the list of installed apps and highlight the one you want to uninstall.
  5. Select “Delete” from the options menu, then confirm your choice to remove the app.

Again, some pre-installed apps may not have the “Delete” option available, but you can remove them from the Home screen if desired.

Removing Apps From the Home Screen

If you can’t uninstall a pre-installed app but want to declutter your Home screen, you can remove the app’s icon from the Home screen without fully uninstalling it. Here’s how:

  1. From the Home screen, navigate to the app icon you want to remove.
  2. Press and hold the “Select” button on your remote (the center button) until a menu appears.
  3. Choose “Remove” and confirm your choice.

The app will still be installed on your TV, but its icon will no longer appear on the Home screen. You can always access it again through the “Apps” menu if needed.

Locking Apps With a PIN

Another useful feature for managing apps on your Samsung Smart TV is the ability to lock apps with a PIN code. This can be helpful if you want to prevent certain apps from being accessed by children or others in your household. Here’s how to lock apps:

  1. From the Home screen, navigate to the “Apps” icon and select it.
  2. In the top-right corner, select the gear icon to open the “Settings” menu.
  3. Highlight the app you want to lock and select “Lock” or “Unlock” (depending on its current status).
  4. Enter your TV’s PIN code (the default is usually 0000) to confirm the action.

A locked app will display a small lock icon next to it, and you’ll need to enter the PIN code to access it.

Enabling Automatic App Updates

To ensure your Samsung Smart TV apps are always up-to-date with the latest features and bug fixes, you can enable automatic app updates. Here’s how:

  1. From the Home screen, navigate to the “Apps” icon and select it.
  2. In the top-right corner, select the gear icon to open the “Settings” menu.
  3. Scroll down and toggle the “Auto Update” option to the “On” position.

With automatic app updates enabled, your Samsung Smart TV will download and install app updates as they become available, ensuring you always have the latest versions installed.

Troubleshooting App Issues

If you’re experiencing issues with a specific app on your Samsung Smart TV, such as crashing, freezing, or not loading, you can try a few troubleshooting steps before uninstalling and reinstalling the app:

  1. Clear the App’s Cache: From the “Manage Storage” menu in the “Device Care” section, select the problematic app, choose “View Details,” and then select “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.”
  2. Check for Software Updates: Navigate to “Settings” > “Support” > “Software Update” and select “Update Now” to install any available software updates for your TV, which may resolve app issues.
  3. Restart the TV: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve app problems. Unplug your TV from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
  4. Reset Smart Hub: As a last resort, you can try resetting the Smart Hub to its factory default settings, which will sign you out of all apps and accounts. Go to “Settings” > “Support” > “Device Care” > “Self Diagnosis” > “Reset Smart Hub” and enter your PIN when prompted.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively manage the apps on your Samsung Smart TV, freeing up storage space, customizing your Home screen, and ensuring a smooth viewing experience.

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